Bobrizz718
Novice Member
Hello everyone. My name is Bob and my question is regarding an audio device which seems to get very little love these days. It is a CD player - specifically a 5 disc changer. My Sony CDP-C87es changer has just crapped out - the platter belt disintegrated. I have come to learn that this is not a rare issue with certain models like the above which have an aluminum platter. I have had the unit a good number of years (purchased new in 1991 or so), so in any event, I shouldn’t be too disappointed. What I did find surprising however, as I began to seek out a replacement, was the paltry selection of carousel players on the market these days (by any brand)! With the downloading of digital music so pervasive these days, I can somewhat understand the decreased demand for dedicated players, but I still expected to find at least a few choices from major audio brands. Admittedly, there are plenty on the used market, via E-bay and others, but I’m not sure if I want to go that route, especially with a changer, as they are generally more prone to problems because of more moving parts. Of course, there’s plenty of decent single loaders out there (even new at retail) but I wanted the convenience of a 5 or 6 disc changer, as I have a fairly large CD collection, and often like to shuffle a variety of music to have on in the background. I do still have a discerning set of ears, and though I do agree that single disc players usually outperform most if not all multi disc ones, the Sony unit above (like many from their ES line) was a cut above. While still not achieving perfect sonic accuracy, this player was and still is lauded by many as a pleasant sounding unit.
In light of the current dearth of choices, other than buying used, as I mentioned above, what do you suggest as my best option to find a satisfactory replacement? I did look into getting my unit repaired, and after removing the top cover, have determined that a replacement belt is needed, at the very least. However I’ve come to learn that this part is no longer available from Sony or anyone else. I’ve read that someone is working on a solution to acquire a similar belt that would work, but I’m not sure I’d want to go through all the trouble. The only players I’ve found available at retail (assuming they’re still in stock) are the Onkyo DC-x 390 and Yamaha CDC-600. Can you tell me if either of them are decent players that would at least come close to matching the performance of the Sony? Or any others I might have missed? Feel free to let me know if I’ve been overhyping the Sony, as well. Also, would going the used route be a sensible option? I’ve actually seen my model on eBay listed for $300. Have also seen several other models at or just below that tier for $150-200. And of course, used models from other brands worth considering. Thanks for any input. Bob
In light of the current dearth of choices, other than buying used, as I mentioned above, what do you suggest as my best option to find a satisfactory replacement? I did look into getting my unit repaired, and after removing the top cover, have determined that a replacement belt is needed, at the very least. However I’ve come to learn that this part is no longer available from Sony or anyone else. I’ve read that someone is working on a solution to acquire a similar belt that would work, but I’m not sure I’d want to go through all the trouble. The only players I’ve found available at retail (assuming they’re still in stock) are the Onkyo DC-x 390 and Yamaha CDC-600. Can you tell me if either of them are decent players that would at least come close to matching the performance of the Sony? Or any others I might have missed? Feel free to let me know if I’ve been overhyping the Sony, as well. Also, would going the used route be a sensible option? I’ve actually seen my model on eBay listed for $300. Have also seen several other models at or just below that tier for $150-200. And of course, used models from other brands worth considering. Thanks for any input. Bob